Link: http://www.pacificpavingstone.com

One of the most popular features of paving stones is the fact that they recreate the Old World look of cobblestones, imparting a classic and rich look to a home and its surroundings. Paving stones have a look that closely mimics natural stone, but in their pristine state they are very neat and clean. Natural stone, and particularly old cobblestones, are often not so neat after they have been there for a century or so, and many people want that look in their driveway.

Paving stone manufacturers recognize this, and have responded both in Europe and the US with "tumbled" pavers. These are artificially aged by quite literally tumbling them in huge drums to rough up the clean edges and give them the well-worn look of very old cobblestones.

Here is a shape from Belgard Inc., known as "Cambridge," in both the standard (left) and tumbled (right) versions:

The dramatic difference you see here is reflected in the exquisite Old World appearance of a driveway created with tumbled paving stones (photo courtesy Belgard, Inc.):

Both Angelus Block and Olsen Pavingstone, our two local Southern California manufacturers, also make tumbled versions of their products.

Even the simplest design can be given an entirely different aesthetic simply by using tumbled pavers. The interlocking nature of the stones is unaffected by the process, and maintenance of tumbled pavers is just the same, but that random "distressed" look is often exactly what is needed to make the perfect complement to a larger home or yard.

Link: http://www.pacificpavingstone.com

We've closed out 2008, and the crisp, cool breezes of 2009 are upon us. Pacific Pavingstone and California Waterscapes weathered the storms of last year thanks to our constant dedication to always delivering a better customer experience and a better product than expected. Those of you who were customers this year were delighted, and you talked to friends and family about how happy you were with our service; so, Thank You from all of us at Pacific Outdoor Living.

We are looking forward to servicing you, your friends and your neighbors in the coming year, and continuing to bring the outdoor lifestyle to more and more families in the New Year.

2009 will see more concentration on green technologies across the whole spectrum of US industry, and Pacific Outdoor Living has a whole range of products to help reduce water consumption and help recycle rainwater run-off from roofs, decks and other structures. We will be putting more information on our website as the weeks go by, but you can find out about backyard pond systems to capture and reuse rainwater, or how permeable pavers help rain percolate back into the groundwater instead of the nearest storm drain, by calling (818) 244-4000 for an estimate on a backyard pond or waterfall or a new pool deck or paving stone patio or driveway.

From all of us a Pacific Outdoor Living, have a great New Year!

Link: http://www.pacificpavingstone.com

Continuing our theme of special shapes for paving stones, there is another style from Angelus Block and Olsen Pavingstone that Angelus calls "Keylock" and Olsen calls "Keystone." Manufacturers in other parts of the country make essentially the same shape, and call it by various names.

This is a shape that is inherently interlocking, almost like a jigsaw. Whether laid in a running bond pattern or herringbone, straight or at a 45-degree angle, keystone/keylock paving stones form an interlocking grid that fools the eye into seeing small squares and larger octagonal stones in a continuous pattern.

The overall effect is very attractive, and works well on its own or in combination with other shapes in an overall design.

Here, courtesy of Olsen Pavingstone, you see a dual pattern design for a driveway and walkway. It might not be instantly recognizable that these paving stones are laid in a herringbone pattern. Look closely!